HaddocksEyes

What's the big deal? I mean that not to be flip, but with all sincerity. You are willing to have half of your stomach cut out but not willing to donate a bit of poo to make sure you are healthy?

I can tell you with 100% certainty that it's worth it. I'd let the doc give me the jelly finger once a week if I had to to feel as good as I do 106 pounds lighter than I was a year ago. Fo' sho'!

Off topic - I almost forgot to mention I love your honest and funny posts! I've had a good chuckle at quite a few of your humorous (but true!) observations about life with a GS.

I got the band in 2003 and didn't tell anyone except family and some close friends. Well, some of the close friends who "wouldn't tell anyone" wound up telling their husbands, who you know can't keep secrets (sorry, guys!), and would say something in front of others. There are still some of my friends who don't know. I wish I would have been open about it - how do you "confess" to someone 3,4,5,6, etc years later?

I am getting a revision to the sleeve on August 5, and this time I have decided to be open about it. I know I don't owe it to tell anyone, but I think the more we try to keep WLS a secret, the more we reinforce the shame of it.

Also, if you are basically lying to people in the gym and who struggle with weight loss as well, aren't you in a way making them feel worse about themselves? How many times have we said to ourselves, I will just eat Protein, I will just follow the diet without the surgery..... I know we are not responsible for the way anyone else feels, but I'm deciding this time to try to motivate people and not be ashamed about my life decisions.

With that being said, I am still not telling people about my "little band secret." I feel guilty now about saying I had it 11 years ago - also I don't want people to say, you had WLS and you still need another one? :/

I KNOW I totally just contradicted myself - what can I say? lol I've just done it "both ways" now and I am finding for me, the open way makes me feel better. I am also surprised at HOW MANY people tell me they have been looking into WLS as well - most people know all about the different WLS, so I know they have been researching.

The bottom line is to do what feels the best for you. I am NOT an open person, but I already feel less guilt this time about just telling people the truth and not being ashamed of it! Good luck in whatever you decide!

I totally understand where you are coming from. We all have to make the choice for ourselves whether or not to share something like this (or when). It's definitely a hard decision to make because yeah, I was one of those people out there that said to myself "Hey, "so-an-so" lost weight through hard work and determination, so I should be able to do it too". Well, that worked out pretty poorly for me because here I am, getting ready to undergo a bariatric procedure. Wow, it's just a hard question. Do you present loud and proud so as to remove the stigma of bariatric surgery, barrelling through the negative comments and remarks or do you keep it private? I wish I had the answer to that.

I'm with Lipstick Lady on this one.

So what?

It could save your life.

Woman-up, Sista. There are worse things in life than having to smear a bit of poop on a piece of cardboard, a finger or camera tube, close to the dimensions of a Ford F-150XLT shoved up your jaxsie if it saves your life.

If it's required, it is the gateway to you getting your surgery. No brainer as far as I'm concerned.

I think something you may or may not have not thought of is that people have traumatic experiences in their lives which makes them reluctant or unable to go through certain things. It's not just about "womaning-up", it's about dealing with the psychological affect of going through a procedure that makes you feel vunerable and not in control of your own body. For some, that is incomprehensible.

Other women may take issue with the requirement that you get a pelvic exam because that is traumatic to them. I know of a woman in her 20's that flatly refused to have this done and the doctor let it go because at her age, the liklihood of cancer is low.

Obesity is such a complex condition, and we all know that the mental part of it plays such a huge part of why we are obese. This is part of that mental condition. Rationally, we know that there are things we need to do in order to be healthy. Emotionally, we derail the rational part. And as I said, the rational part of me battles with the emotional side of me. Unfortunately, the emotional side of me has won far too many times than the rational when it has come to my weight loss struggle.

So, I appreciate the responses but at the end of the day, this is a complex issue that I will have to continue to deal with and eventually overcome if i want to ensure good health. Many of us are in the same boat with the whole emotional vs. rational struggle (of any type or situation), which is why I posted what I did.

What's the big deal? I mean that not to be flip, but with all sincerity. You are willing to have half of your stomach cut out but not willing to donate a bit of poo to make sure you are healthy?

I can tell you with 100% certainty that it's worth it. I'd let the doc give me the jelly finger once a week if I had to to feel as good as I do 106 pounds lighter than I was a year ago. Fo' sho'!

LOL! True, but everyone has their achilles heel, and this is mine. Not going to do it.

Is it just an FOBT (fecal occult blood test) or something else? If you are old enough to have had a Pap smear, I hate to break it to you, but you've already had one of those. It's done while your doctor or practitioner is palpating (feeling your abdomen for unusual masses) and they stick a gloved, lubricated finger up your @ss. Happens to every female. That finger is then smeared on top of the FOBT card and it's sent off to the lab. If that is not the test you are speaking of, it's highly unusual that they want to do anything more than that......unless something else is going on and they want to rule everything out. Best wishes to you.

LOL - I would know if someone stuck a finger in my "@ss", which feels very different from having a speculum placed into the female orifice. I don't know about other women, but I have never had my gyn do that during a pelvic exam.

My husband said they do that to men when they check for the prostate, so that might be what you are referring to.

I think you've had surgery. So better safe than sorry?

Nope, I'm pre-op

Uggg...they just shared with me yesterday that they require a fecal test. If it comes back positive, then they will order a colonoscopy. Never had one before...not going to get one now. They sprung this one on me at the last minute, since (I thought!) I have fulfilled all of my pre-requisites.

Yes, I know they are doing it to make sure I am healthy and they want to know what's what, but sorry, I just can't do it. The presence of blood could be due to other factors, and not just cancer or polyps. For women not yet in menopause or for those who have hemorrhoids, you know what I mean.

If I were older, getting a bypass and/or had a family history of colon cancer or polyps, I don't think I could make this argument. But hell, I'm not, so I am. I've jumped through every hoop they've asked me to. I'm drawing the line here - (insert Trek reference here.."the line must be drawn here..this far and no farther!..").

Anyways, emotional, non-rational rant over.

I am stalled after I started weight training and working with a trainer. I had heard of that before but never experienced it. Weight is stuck at 215-216 for the last 2 weeks. Anyone else experience this? Very discouraging.

I am wondering if you have lost inches because you are replacing fat with muscle? I plan to also hit the weights as soon as I am able. I think I will take measurements before I start. I agree it is discouraging when the needle on the scale doesn't budge. If you can see success elsewhere I will bet that will help motivate you!

Absolutely no coffee or soda for me again. I haven't got my official diet yet but I do think I can have solids it's just very calorie restricted. 700 calories a day for 2 weeks

You reminded me - no caffeine, no alcohol, practice drinking 30 minutes before and after meals, practice drinking 1 oz. over 15 minutes, no soda (unless it is diet and completely flat).

I start my pre-op diet tomorrow for surgery and I see everyone has different pre-op guidelines. Mine is a 2-week liquid diet. Can some people eat solid food on their diet? Drink coffee?? soda??

I am just curious what others are having to do.

Develop a consistent exercise regimine and then stick to it, take daily supplements.

I've read a lot about different doctors requiring different things for the pre-op diet, some clear liquids for 2 weeks, a month, one meal, no meal...all different, however, I haven't heRd much about post op. What does your post op diet consist of. I would like to see how different it us as well. My doctor has me on a 2nd week liquid diet, 3rd week soft food, 4thweek soft food and introduce myself to soft meats(ex.fish), 5th week and beyond....enjoy my new small tummy!

How about you? Is there anyone out there different than mine? Are just about the same? Are you hungry? Easier pre or post?

LOL - I was just quizzed on this today.

First two days - clear liquids only, as tolerated (Water, basically)

Week one and week two - Protein liquids (Protein shakes, milk, etc.)

Week three and four - Blenderized or pureed foods (hummus, cottage cheese, etc.)

Week four and five - Soft foods (whole-grain pastas, mashed legumes - like pinto Beans, etc.)

Week six and beyond - "regular" foods (so, everything else that your stomach can tolerate, as it is able to)

I agree with Ginger Snaps. Waaaaay too many carbs. That's more than half of what I allow per day. The lower the carbs, the better. For me, I have found I lose weight with fewer carbs.

Yeah, I noticed they seemed to be a bit high in carbs, but for the person that is really active (read: heavy weight lifting recovery) they may be useful. We'll see - I'm not anywhere even close to that part of the journey!

Thank you for the responses!

Those would wipe out over half my daily allowance of carbs. I try to stay under 60 carbs per day. Also, you are drinking a carbonated drink? I was told to stay away from them.

Yes, you read right, it is a carbonated drink. However, we are allowed to have them if we let them go completely flat before we drink them. Some people don't like the tast of flat diet soda at all and don't consider it worth drinking, which is understandable. I only like diet root beer and diet orange soda flat (any other kind tastes yucky to me), but they have to be super cold! I like a little variety here and there between plain Water and the Mio-Crystal Lite-sugar free drink additions to my water-etc. routine.

Thanks so much hopeful one! I see more good than bad with the sleeve and I pray for you all is perfect as I'm sure it will go for you! I just am the kind of person who asks tons of questions and some people may be annoyed but oh well lol

I'm a nice person with a big heart and never meant to scare anyone.. I have children and need to be here for them .. Right now I'm an extremely healthy chubby girl , not on any meds and I have no illnesses but not sure how long this will last so yes I am here to ask opinions and I appreciate people like you !

I'm also someone whose only major medical problem is being morbidly obese. I too have read the stories on here, and other sites. I pesonally know people that have had both the Roux-N-Y and the sleeve. Not one of them had a complication. That doesn't mean I cannot have a complication, or even die, just that it is not as likely.

I chose a board-certified doctor who works in a Baratric Center of Excellence. They have a great and comprehensive program (UC Davis). I feel so comfortable with my doctor. If something goes wrong, it won't be because of something he did or did not do. It's funny, when I saw him the other day he said to me that I looked petrified with fear during the group orientation, so much so that he mentioned it during the staff team meeting they held the next day. Apparently, it was written all over my face! He reminded me that this was not a race and that it will take as much time as it needs to take and that I can always decide not to have the surgery. He's totally right - we have to take as much time as we need to in order to decide what course is right for us. But I know if I stay this way, I will continue to be less and less healthy as the years pass by. It's not a question of IF I will develop diabetes but WHEN. I've been seeing this scenario play out with my dad for the past 25 years...I don't want to go there. So that's my thought process.

Whatever your decision is, I am glad to see that you are considering all sides, both the good and the bad. This is the only way to truly come to a informed decision, to be at peace with whatever you choose to do.

Good luck!

That IS a bit different. I believe in God and I would say, and this is just my opinion, that if more than one person tells you this and they don't know each other, it's probably divinely inspired.

And as far as not being special, you are indeed special. We all are in our own way. If God has a plan for you, He will eventually make it known to you so it all makes sense.

Thank you for sharing this!

Just saw these at 7-11 (of all places). They are made with whey Protein isolate. I was wondering if anyone had tried these yet. I only had enough cash on me for my diet A&W root beer, so I didn't try them.

I looked them up and here's the nutrition information for them:

Calories: 200

Fat: 0

Carbs: 39 g

Protein: 20 g

Sugars: 16 g

Vitamin C: 100%

Calcium: 8%

Gluten free

Ingredients: whey Protein Isolate, Glucose Syrup (i.e. "sugar"), Erythritol, Glycerine, Tapioca Syrup, Sucrose ("sugar"), Gelatin, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Natural and Artificial flavors, Vitamin C, Phosphoric Acid, Coconut Oil, Red 40, Stevia extract, Canauba Wax, Sodium Citrate.

They seem to be a bit high in calories but for post workout recovery, they have a good carb-to-protein ratio.

Yeah, I have two pairs of old Guess jeans from the early 90's that I have been saving. I can't believe I used to wear them because they seem so small but I am sure I will be able to wear them again very soon!

Good topic!

I didn't go to my 20th in 2005. I lived 3,000 miles away, my husband was unemployed, and I weighed 250. No way.

My 30th is coming up next year (2015), I live 4 hrs away, my 1st husband died and I'm remarried and my current husband has a job, and I weigh 150.

Can't wait!

Sweet! If you think of it, come back and tell us all the juicy details!

Oh, by the way, if your plan allows Protein bars, Bari Wise's Rockie Road bars are, by far, the absolute best tasting bars I have ever come across. Not too crazy about the other ones.

That is such a great response! You have good goals in mind that you are focused on. That it what I need to do. I have had two c-sections and one knee surgery but I am a baby about being stuck with needles and It's hard for me to trust people that I don't know really well - I basically have to give them control over my body, and that's scary to me, even though I know they are trying to help and want the best outcome for me. Just something I struggle with.....

I have been on a liquid diet before, in one of my previous weight loss attempts. Yes, they do work to take the weight off. I went on a product manufactured by Robard called WonderSlim. It's a program with bars, Soups, shakes, puddings and other protein-rich items (like Medifast but not soy based). The hardest thing about it is the first few days because you are limiting your carbs to such a low level and, of course, you aren't eating "regular" food. As I shared with another member, I was actually mad at me for telling me I couldn't have what I wanted to eat! It was silly, but I still thought in those terms. But I got over that and now I am looking forward to being on the diet again prior to surgery, as preamble to how I will be eating for a few weeks after surgery. It's totally do-able.

Make sure you don't let yourself get hungry..that is a killer and the hunger will lead you to throw up your hands and say "screw this, I am eating a sandwich (or insert a favorite available food here)!" Plan for contingencies during this time by having an approved snack in your car or your purse so that if you cannot have your shake, you at least have something that won't screw you up. If you are hungry, have another shake, even if you have had your alotment for the day. It's far better to have that shake then to have something off plan, which will make you start all over again in terms of lowering your carbs. I have a VeriBest personal blender at my desk at work and I have kept ice in our office fridge to make fresh shakes during the day, since they took away our ice in our building's cafeteria. If people ask me what I am doing (since the blender is noisy) I just say I am making smoothies and they say, "oh, wish I had that for margaritas!!" And then we would laugh about that and then just move on to talk about something else.

When you reduce your carbs, your body draws from your carb stores in your muscles and I believe, your liver. After that, it burns your fat for fuel. So eating something off plan can start that process all over again. Some people move more quickly into ketosis (process of burning fat for fuel in a low or no carb environment) than others.

Sounds to me like you will be successful!

My Dr. said to take them for 6 months after surgery.

Mine requires this as well because he said he wants to make the most healing environment for the stomach as he can.

I was too slow. I wanted to say the same thing as BabySheldon. The fact that you were restricted by your weight does not mean that you were not a great mother. Anyway, congratulations on your weight loss.

Thank you. I guess I should say I feel like a more involved mom.

we are always hard on ourselves as mothers..we just really love our babies, no matter how "grown" they get!

I think that is an awesome NSV!!

Good luck to you!!

How are you feeling at this point and how do you think you will do the day before surgery?

I've wondered this about myself. Easy for me to be casual about it when I don't even have a date yet.

Strangely enough, I am not required to lose any weight for approval. I weight 284 pounds, so I could totally lose 10% of my weight and still be under 40 bmi. I have BCBS of California.

I am meeting with my surgeon again tomorrow and I am sure he will ask me, for the sake of the surgery, to lose weight, which is fine. Anything that makes it easier for him and safer for me is a good thing. I have a slightly enlarged liver, according to the ultrasound.

You look great - love the sleeping husband in the bed behind you. LOL!